Expert answer

Hi Will,

That car will be in the top band for VRT, which is 41 per cent of the OMSP (Open Market Selling Price). If that really is €15,000 - and Revenue may disagree with you on that - then the VRT would be simply 41 per cent, i.e. €6,150.

Expert answer

Hi Barbara,

If you don't have access to the original sales invoice, and you can't contact the dealer that originally sold the car, then a good place to look would be SIMI's (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) 'Recommended Vehicle Price Guides' - they are available for past years and show the official pricing for all the makes and models. 

Expert answer

Hi Tony,

You should be fine, as if a vehicle is eligible for VRT exemption because of a transfer of residence, then it should also qualify for exemption for VAT and customs duty. 

According to Revenue: “If you are transferring your normal residence from outside the European Union (EU) to Ireland, you may be able to claim relief from Customs Duty and Value-Added Tax (VAT). This relief applies to imports of the following: certain personal property and household effects, including those of members of your household bicycles and motor cycles, private cars, trailers, caravans, pleasure craft and private aeroplanes.”

Just get all your paperwork in order and it should be fine. 

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Hi Martin,

I wouldn't say the market is being flooded with these cars - demand is still far outstripping supply. 

For the most part, these cars represent good value, but go into the deal with your eyes open. If at all possible, get someone in the know to take a detailed look around the car you're looking at, to make sure it's in good condition and that it's identical to a European-market model. 

I'd insist that the car was serviced on Irish soil before taking delivery, and make sure the tyres are ok as well, as these cars could have spent quite a bit of time at sea and at docks here in Japan.

Other than that, check out your insurance before you commit to buying, as insurers can be a little odd about imports at times. 

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Hi Phelim,

A rate of €750 a year suggests that the car has been put into the 171-190g/km emissions band. That does seem higher than native Irish Santa Fes. When did you import the car? It sounds to me that Revenue may have 'uplifted' the NEDC emissions rating to its WLTP equivalent, something that has happened since 1 January 2021.

See our Guide to Importing Cars from the UK feature for more information - most of that applies to a car imported from Australia too. Hopefully that helps you understand it.

Expert answer

Hi Simon,

I suspect it's more to do with demand. Give your local dealer a call and ask them about it, as I'm sure they can get you one on special order if you want it. 

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

Yes you can get the VRT back. That’s a maximum of €5,000 though, not a flat-rate rebate. So if your car is liable for, say, €3,000 worth of VRT, then that’s what you’ll get back. 

The SEAI grant is a little trickier. According to the official information, you’re quite right — the dealer applies for the grant. However, the SEAI does state that: "A maximum grant of €5,000 is available for qualifying new electric vehicles when purchased privately.”

Obviously, you’d have to make sure that you fall between the minimum €14,000 price and the maximum €60,000 price, but in theory there’s nothing to stop you applying for the grant privately.

Why not try your luck by emailing evgrantscheme@seai.ie?

Expert answer

Hi Patricia, 

Yes, we can 'throw some light' on the situation for you. Skoda Ireland came back to us with this statement: 

"The removable torch was removed from vehicles produced from July 2020 for all markets. There may have been stock around for a few months thereafter. It cannot be ordered as an option either."

That probably explains it.

Expert answer

Hi Gavin,

It can be tricky, as some insurers — and we don’t know why, but Irish insurance and insurers are never less than needlessly awkward — seem less than keen to insure a commercial vehicle as a private car. Your best bet is usually to find a good, local broker who might be able to help you navigate the insurance waters a little more easily. 

Expert answer

Hi Alex,

The good news is, you shouldn’t have to pay anything. As long as you can show proof of ownership for at least six months prior to your move, at your previous address, and can show documentation confirming your move to Ireland, you should be exempt from both VRT and VAT.

You can find more details on the Revenue website.

With regards to motor tax for your diesel, it depends when it was registered and, assuming it's post-2008, what its CO₂ emissions rating is. Read our Motor Road Tax Prices in Ireland Explained feature for full details.